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Economic and Financial Crimes Commission fined N500,000 for repeated delays in Godwin Emefiele’s trial.
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Court faulted EFCC for failing to produce key witness, leading to adjournment.
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Abuja High Court adjourns case to April 27, 2026 for continuation.
An Abuja High Court has fined the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) N500,000 over repeated delays in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Justice Hamza Muazu imposed the fine after the anti-graft agency failed to produce a key witness, Deputy Commissioner of Police Edwin Okpoziakeo, in court as scheduled.
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The absence of the witness forced another adjournment in the high-profile case.
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Emefiele is facing multiple charges, including criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy, and obtaining money by false pretence.
The EFCC alleges he fraudulently obtained $6.23 million purportedly meant for international election observers during the 2023 general elections.
The commission also accused him of conferring corrupt advantages on two firms, April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd, allegations he has denied, pleading not guilty to all counts.
During proceedings, EFCC counsel A.O. Mohammed attributed the witness’s absence to administrative issues and another court engagement, seeking an adjournment.
However, defence counsel Matthew Burkaa opposed the request, citing provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, which limits adjournments in criminal trials.
In his ruling, Justice Muazu acknowledged the delays as excessive but allowed the adjournment in the interest of justice, stressing the importance of the witness’s testimony. He, however, sanctioned the EFCC for failing to ensure speedy prosecution.
The case was subsequently adjourned to April 27, 2026, for continuation of hearing.